Multiple nut setter



April 24, 195 w. P. FERM ET AL MULTIPLE NUT SETTEIR Filed March 2 4, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 MULTIPLE NUT BETTER William P. Ferm and .Walter C. Chaffee, Spring Lake, Micln, assignors,-by mesne assignments, to Gardner- Denver Company, a corporation of Delaware,

Application March 24,1954, Serial No. 418,389

' 13 Claims. (Cl. 81-54 The present invention relates generally to portable power operated tools and more particularly to tools of this general type which are intended for running, and setting threaded fastening elements. An example of such tools is the multiple nut setter. These tools are usually considered as being single or special purpose devices. Thus they are conventionally constructed and arranged to conform to a particular pattern of fastening elements to the end that all of the fastening elements are simultaneously run and set in a single operation.

Heretofore, commercially available multiple nut setters constructed and arranged to accommodate one pattern of fastening'elements have not readily permitted of conversion to accommodate a dilferent fastening element pattern. To do so, therefore, it has been necessary to especially devise structural members for relative spindle positioning and for power distribution and to' provide special suspension and handling arrangements. This has been particularly true in those tools that comprise multiple setups of conventional single spindle tools, i. e., the fastening together, according to a particular bolt pattern of two or more individual nut setters. Usually this arrangement results in an unwieldy aggregation of borrowed and improvised parts with few of such parts being re-usable for different bolt arrangements.

Accordingly, it is an object of the foregoing invention to overcome the afore-mentioned difiiculties through the provision of a multiple nut setter construction which is characterized by its versatility of adaptation to various fastening element patterns" by minimizing the number of parts that must be especially made to accommodate different fastening element patterns. A related object lies in the provision of a multiple nut setter embodying the maximum number of re-usable parts that readily permit of accommodation to diiferent fastening element patterns.

A further object of the invention is to provide a multiple nut setter wherein those parts which must be made specially to accommodate a particular fastening element pattern are of the simplest possible form and are easily produceable from readily available materials.

vention to the specific forms disclosed, but it is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as. expressed in the appended claims. 7

Referring more particularly to the drawings there shown are one particular arrangementof components comprising a pressure fiuid operated multiple nut setter and several forms of means for supporting a manifold for supplying pressure fluid to operate the nut setter. To enhance the versatility of adaptation of the multiple nut setter to accommodate diiferent fastening element. patterns, independent spindle drive units 10 are employed.

The objects of the invention thus generally set forth together with other objects and ancillary advantages are attained by the construction and'arrangement shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, in which: 7

Figure l'is a side elevation of a multiple nut setter embodying the features of the present invention.

Figs. 2-5, inclusive, are fragmentary sectional views of various modified forms of supporting and pressure fluid supply means for multiple nut setters such as that shown in the preceding figure.

While the present invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that it is not thereby intended to limit thein- In the illustrative embodiment three spindles 12 are provided to accommodate a complementally arranged fastening element pattern. These spindles terminate at their outer ends in adaptors 14 to receive, for example, conventional sockets 15 by means of which the fastening elements can be driven. To rotate the spindles, each is provided with its own drive unit 10. Each drive unit includes a pressure fluid operated motor, indicated at 16, a fluid pressure regulator 17 for controlling the supply of pressure fluid to the motor, and suitable speed reduction gearing 18 for coupling the motor to the spindle. While not specifically illustrated, the motor may be of the rotary, extensible vane type adapted for actuation by compressed air. For an example of such amotor, reference is made to Ernest H. Shaif United States Patent No. 2,159,232, issued May 23, 1939.

The gearing 18 preferably comprises a gear train wherein the output shaft is laterally disposed from the input shaft, the output shaft being coupled. to the spindle so that the spindle is disposed in non-concentric relation to the motor axis and thus at one side of the drive unit. This is particularly advantageous for it permits close spindle spacing so as to accommodate closely spaced fastening elements.

Preferably each of the spindle drive units 10 is of the so-called stall type, that is to say, by appropriately adjusting the supply of fluid pressure thereto the units spindle is rotated so as to drive a fastening element until the reaction force exerted by the fastening element on the spindle reaches the force exertedv by the units motor on the spindle so that the motor stalls whereby to determine the torque setting of the fastening element.

" One of the features of the present invention is. the provision, in a multiple unit arrangement,'of individual fluid pressure regulation for each spindle unit. It will be appreciated that operating characteristics of various motors differ, not only because of manufacturing variations but because of variations in the pressure fiuid supply thereto and the output demanded of them.

Therefore, in a particular multiple unit arrangement one spindle drive unit may receive a different pressure fluid supply than an adjacent spindle drive unit during the running of the fastening. elements in a particular pattern. It will be readily appreciated that, as has heretofore been the practice, common fluid pressure regulation does not permit of independent compensation. Thus, non-uniformity of setting of the fastening elements in a pattern results. On the other hand, it may be desirable that different fastening elements be set to a somewhat different degree oftightness. Individual fluid pressureregulation, for the spindle driveunits permits of adjustment of stall points so as to permit adaptation to such situations.

The details of the particular fluid pressure regulators 17, shown by way of illustration as forming a part of each of the spindle drive units 10, form no part of the present invention and, therefore, need not be illustrated and described in detail. For a full description of these regulators reference is made to copending application Serial No. 416,828, filed March 17, 1954. V 7

In accordance with another "aspect of the present invention, the individual spindle drive units are independently supported in fixed relation with respect to each other according to the arrangement of fastening elements which are to be driven thereby, and a manifold is provided for supplying pressure fluid to the individual spindle drive units together with means for supporting the manifold independently of and in fixed relation to the spindle drive units, which means also serves to control the supply of pressure fluid to the manifold.

More particularly, upon reference to Figure 1, it will be seen that the individual spindle drive units 1! are supported in fixed relation to each other by a mounting plate 19. The mounting plate can be conveniently fashioned from ordinary mild steel stock and is suitably apertured as at to permit the passage of the spindles 12 therethrough, and at 21 to accommodate screws 22 or the like whereby the units are rigidly secured to the plate. In order to facilitate manipulation of the device, the illustrative multiple nut setter is equipped with throttle and dead handles 23 and 25, respectively, and suspension means may be provided to permit the attachment of a balancer or other similar device (not shown) to support the weight of the tool. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 the suspension means includes a sling 27 terminating at its ends in loops which are received in apertured ears 28a comprising extensions of rings 28 which in turn are conveniently attached to two of the spindle drive units 10.

In carrying out the invention, a manifold M is provided which is independent of the individual drive units 10 and is supported in fixed relation thereto on the mounting plate 19 so as to permit of connection with the spindle drive units by conventional tubing 29. To this end, the manifold is fashioned as a part of the throttle handle 23. Additionally the handle 23 controls the supply of pressure fluid to the manifold and for this purpose it includes a throttle valve 30 and a filter element 32, so that upon connection with a suitable source of pressure fluid the handle permits of admission of filtered pressure fluid to the manifold for distribution to the respective spindle drive units.

While in Fig. 1 there has been illustrated an arrangement for the accommodation of a pattern of three fastening elements, with suspension means arranged to support the nut setter there shown with the spindle axes in a vertical position, it will be at once apparent that numerous other dispositions are required for different fastening element arrangements and locations. For example, to run and set the fastening elements by means of which an automobile wheel is mounted, conventionally requires five spindles and drive units therefor arranged symmetrically about a common center and requires the nut setter to be supported so that the spindle axes are horizontally disposed. In such an arrangement a different mounting of the handles and suspension means is obviously desirable. Nevertheless, the same functions are to be performed thereby. In Fig. 2 there is shown, in fragmentary longitudinal section, the throttle handle of the multiple nut setter shown in Fig. 1. In the succeeding figures of the drawings there are fragmentarily illustrated in longitudinal section other handle forms and arrangements for use with various constructions and arrangements embodying the principles of the present invention.

The throttle handle construction shown in Fig. 2 includes a butt 32 terminating at one side thereof in a bifurcated portion 32a for the reception of the edge of the mounting plate 19 or an angle bracket 19a rigid therewith. The handle also includes a fitting 34 for the attachment of an air hose for the supply of pressure fluid thereto from any suitable source. Intermediate the fitting 34 and the butt 32 is the hand grip portion 36 of the handle. In this form the butt 32 serves as the manifold. Thus, it defines a supply chamber 38 from which pressure fluid is distributed by way of tubing 29 to the fluid pressure regulators of the individual spindle drive units. For this purpose the butt is provided with a number of ports 39, corresponding to the number of drive units, which are screw-threaded or otherwise fashioned to receive fittings 40 by means of which the tubing 29 is connected thereto.

In order to control the admission of pressure fluid to the supply chamber 38 the handle incorporates a valve assembly generally designated 42, and the grip portion 36 of the handle serves to house the valve mechanism. As shown, the valve assembly includes a sleeve type valving element 44 supported for longitudinal movement into and out of engagement with a resilient valve seat 46 mounted on the butt 32 within the chamber 38 adjacent the inner end of the valving element 44. The valving element 44 is normally biased into closed position, i. e., with its inner end in engagement with the valve seat 46 by means of an expansion type spring 48 interposed between a shoulder 44a formed on the valving element and a guide bushing 49 supported within the grip portion 36 of the handle 23. The opposite end of the valving element 44 is slidably supported in a bushing 50. The bushings 49 and 50 are equipped with suitable gaskets, preferably of the O ring type.

It will be apparent that the interior of the sleeve-like valving element 44 defines an inlet chamber 52 to which pressure fluid from the source is supplied. Communication between the inlet chamber 52 and the supply chamber 38 is established upon axially shifting the valving element 44 out of engagement with the valve seat 46.

To effect axial movement of the valving element 44 into open position, against the action of its biasing spring 43, the grip portion 36 of the handle 23 is equipped with an operating mechanism which includes a valve operating dog 54 and an operating lever 55. The dog 54 is in the form of a bell crank and is mounted on a pivot pin 56 received in alined apertures formed in a pair of parallel lugs 58 integral with the grip portion 36 of the handle. One leg of the dog 54 extends through a slot 59 formed in the grip portion 36 of the handle between the lugs 58 and its inner end is received in a peripheral slot 60 formed in a collar 61 mounted on the valving element 44 and held in place against axial movement with respect thereto by snap rings 61A. The other leg of the dog 54 is disposed for engagement by a finger a formed on the inner surface of the operating lever 55. The lever 55 is supported on a pivot pin 63 which in turn is received in alined holes formed in the lugs 58 in spaced relation to the pivot pin 56 for the dog 54.

It will be seen that movement of the lever toward the grip portion 36 of the handle 23 causes lateral inward movement of the outer dog leg with a corresponding longitudinal outward movement of the inner end of the inner dog leg to the end that the valving element 44 is moved longitudinally outward and away from the valve seat 46. Thus, communication between the inlet chamber 52 as defined by the valving element 44 and the supply chamber 38 is established whereby to permit the supply of pressure fluid to the spindle drive units 10 by way of the tubing 29.

In this form of throttle handle, the fitting 34 of the valve handle 23 serves as a housing for a filter. Thus, the fitting is equipped with a cartridge type filter element 72 through which pressure fluid from the supply hose is admitted to the inlet chamber 52 defined by the valving element.

In Fig. 3 there is shown another form of throttle handle 23A. As in the throttle handle 23 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the handle 23A includes a butt 32A and a grip portion 36, the butt being bifurcated for attachment to the mounting plate 19 of the multiple out setter. Also included is a valve assembly 42A including a sleeve type valving element 44 mounted in bushings 49 and 50 and biased toward closed position by means of aspring 48. As in the case of the handle shown in the preceding figures, the valving element 44 is adapted to be operated by means of the lever and dog arrangement 55, 54 guidingly supported for pivotal movement between the lugs 58 formed on the grip portion 36 of the handle.

In this form the butt- 32A is utilized to define an inlet chamber 62 which is external of the valving element 44 and a supply chamber 64 is defined by the interior of the valving element. Pressure fluid is supplied to the inlet chamber 62 by way of a suitable hose fitting 65 received in a threaded port-66 formed in the butt 32A. In the lower end of the butt 32A, as in Fig.. 2, a threaded opening 67 is provided in which a plug-type valve cap 68 is inserted. The valve cap 68 mounts the washer 46 or the like which defines the seat for the valving element 44. At its upper end the handle terminates, in this instance, in a fitting 70 having a Y- shaped passage 72 therethrough for supplying pressure fluid to two tubing fittings 40A. Thus, the member 70 serves as the manifold in this form of the throttle han dle and upon operation of the lever 55 so as to rock the dog 54 the valve member 44 is shifted axially upward out of engagement with the valve seat 69to establish communication between the inlet chamber 62 and the supply chamber 64.

This form of the throttle handle 23A, Which is intended for the supply of two spindle drive units conveniently incorporates a filter 72 within the valving element 44. The filter element 72 is again of the cartridge type and is held in spaced relation to the inner side wall of the valving element 44 by a spider 74 (as in Fig. 2) mounted on the element 72 adjacent the lower end of the valving element. Fluid pressure admitted from the inlet chamber 62 to the interior of the valving element 44 passes about the outer end of the filter element 72 into the supply chamber 64 through the spider 74, between the filter element and the wall of the valving element, and thence through the filter element from outside to inside, and on to the manifold member 70.

The handle 23A is shown as being equipped with eyebolts 75 permitting of attachment to a suitable suspension device (not shown).

In Figs.:4 and 5 there are shown forms of throttle handles 23B .and 23C which are of the pistol grip type. These forms of handles are intended for mounting in spaced relation to the supporting plate of the multiple nut setter. Each of these handles includes a body'or grip portion 36,'identical in form with those of the preceding figures, housing the sleeve-like valving element 44 which is mounted for axial movement into and out of engagement with an annular seat 46 upon the operation of the lever and dog arrangement 55, 54 pivotally supported between the lugs 58 rigid with the body portion of the handle. In these forms the butts 32B of the handles 23B and 23C, respectively, are both provided with laterally extending portions 76 which may serve as grips for the operator. Additionally, the laterally extending portions 76 of the butts comprise a filter housing. Thus, each is provided adjacent its outer end with an annular recess 78 for the reception of the outer end of a cartridge type filter element 79 so as to support the same in spaced relation to the side Walls thereof.

The outer end of the butt portions 76, as shown in Fig. 5, serves as the manifold M for the distribution of pressure fluid to spindle drive units 10. For this purpose the outer end ofthe butt portions 76 are provided with suitably screw-threaded ports 80 for the reception of tubing fittings 40. In these forms of the throttle handles, therefore, the butts thus define supply chambers 82 and the interior of the valving elements 44 define inlet chambers 84 to which pressure fluid is supplied by way of fittings 86 for the accommodation of an air hose by means of which pressure fluid is supplied from a compressed air line. In the throttle handle 23B,

illustrated in Fig. 4, the air hose fitting 86 is connected to the upper end of the grip portion 36 of the handle. In the form shown in Fig. 5 the air hose fitting 86 is connected to the upper end of the butt 32B of the handle. In each instance the handle 23B or 23C is supported on the mounting plate 19 of the nut setter by a standard 88 which is secured to the mounting plate by lock nuts 89, the upper end of the standard being equipped with a fitting 90 of like form to the air hose fitting, which in turn is equipped with a plug 91. The.

plugs 91 serve to close the interior of the valving mechanism to prevent the passage of pressure fluid through the standards. i i

For purposes of connection of balancer or other weight. supporting device, the butts 32B of the handles shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are equipped with suitable suspension rings 92 Which are held in place by a snap ring 93.

From the foregoing it Will be seen that a multiple nut setter constructed in accordance with the present invention requires only the provision of a mounting plate especially'made to conform to a particular fastening element pattern for which it is to be used. With the provision-of thismounting plate the remainder of the components of the multiple nut setter maybe mounted thereon without modification except in some instances for the reshaping of the tubing, or provision of new tubing, interconnecting the manifold and the individual spindle drive units.

Another feature of the instant construction which enhances the versatility of the instant device is the formation of the grip portion of the live handle so that it is mountable with respect to the butt portion thereof in numerous positions. It will be noted upon examination of Figs. 2-5, inclusive, that the sleeve valve member 44 is fashioned to accommodate the valve dog connecting collar 61 not only intermediate its ends but also adjacent the end opposite the valve seat engaging end thereof through the provision of suitable grooves for the reception of the snap rings 62. Thus, the sleeve typevalving element 44 may be reversed, at will, within the grip portion of the housing. Similarly the ends of the grip portions 36 of the throttle handles are formed so that each of their ends is symmetrical. This permits attachment of either end of the grip portions to the butt portions of the handles. Further, this symmetrical formation also permits angular orientation of the grip portions with respect to the butts. As a result assembly of throttle handle and the mounting thereof on the mounting plate 19 of the nut setter can be effected as desired by one assembling the tool to suit convenience.

Thus, there is provided the multiple nut setter construction and arrangement which is characterized by its versatility so as to be adaptable to various fastening element patterns and in which the number of parts that must be especially fashioned to accommodate different fastening element patterns is minimized. Furthermore, the parts that necessarily must be made special are of the simplest possible form, namely, ordinary plate stock and bendable tubing, which are readily available.

We claim as our invention:

1. A pressure fluid operated tool for simultaneously running and setting a plurality of threaded fastening elements comprising, in combination, a plurality of spindle drive units adapted to receive means for engaging the fastening elements so as to drive the same, a single mounting plate for supporting said units in fixedrelation to each other according to the arrangement of the fastening elements to be driven, a manifold-atfixed to said plate for supplying pressure fluid to each of said units, and means for supplying pressure fluid to said manifold.

2. A pressure fluid operated tool for simultaneously running and setting a plurality of threaded fastening elements comprising, in combination, a plurality of spindle drive units. adapted to receive means for engaging the fastening elements so as to drive the same, a single mounting plate for supporting said units in fixed relation to each other according to the arrangement of the fastening elements to be driven, a manifold atfixed to said plate for supplying pressure fluid to each of said units, and means for supplying pressure fluid to said manifold, said means defining an inlet chamber for connection with a pressure fluid source and a supply chamber communicating with said manifold and including a valve for controlling the admission of pressure fluid from said inlet chamber to said supply chamber.

3. A pressure fluid operated tool for simultaneously running and setting a plurality of threaded fastening elements comprising, in combination, a plurality of spindle drive units adapted to receive means for engaging the fastening elements so as to drive the same, a fluid pressure regulator for each of said units, a single mounting plate for supporting said units in fixed relation to each other according to the arrangement of the fastening elements to be driven, a manifold afiixed to said plate, means interconnecting said manifold and each of said regulators for supplying pressure fluid thereto, and means for supplying pressure fluid to said manifold, said means defining an inlet chamber for connection with a pressure fluid source and a supply chamber communicating with said manifold and including a valve for controlling the admission of pressure fluid from said inlet chamber to said supply chamber.

4. A pressure fluid operated tool for simultaneously running and setting a plurality of threaded fastening elements comprising, in combination, a plurality of spindle drive units, a single mounting plate for supporting said units in fixed relation to each other according to the arrangement of the fastening elements to be driven, a throttle handle fixed to said plate and including a manifold and a throttle valve for admitting pressure fluid to said manifold for distribution to said units.

5. A pressure fluid operated tool for simultaneously running and setting a plurality of threaded fastening elements comprising, in combination, a plurality of spindle drive units, a single mounting plate for supporting said units in fixed relation to each other according to the pattern of fastening elements to be driven, a manifold, and means for supporting said manifold on said plate and for supplying pressure fluid thereto for distribution to said units, said means including a filter element and a valving element, said valving element being operable to admit pressure fluid to said manifold by way of said filter element.

6. A pressure fluid operated tool for simultaneously running and setting a plurality of threaded fastening elements comprising, in combination, a single mounting plate, a plurality of drive units fixed to said plate in spaced relation according to the pattern of fastening elements to be driven, each of said units including a spindle adapted to receive means for engaging a fastening element and a pressure fluid motor for driving the spindle, a fluid pressure regulator for each of said motors, and means for supplying pressure fluid to each of said regulators.

7. For use with a pressure fluid operated tool for simultaneously running and setting a plurality of threaded fastening elements and including a plurality of spindle drive units, a throttle handle comprising, in combination, a manifold, means defining a supply chamber communicating with the manifold, means defining an inlet chamber adapted for connection with a pressure fluid source, a valving element controlling communication between said chambers, a grip portion housing said valving clement, means carried by said grip portion for moving said valving element between open and closed positions, and means for mounting said grip portion and manifold in fixed relation to, but independently of, the spindle drive units for connection therewith.

8. A throttle handle comprising, in combination, a butt defining an inlet chamber adapted for communication with a pressure fluid source, a valve seat fixed with respect to said butt, a valving element defining a supply chamber adapted for communication with a device to be supplied with pressure fluid, a grip portion supporting said valving element for movement into and out of engagement with said seat for controlling communication between said chambers, and operating means mounted on said grip portion and connected with said valving element for moving the same.

9. A throttle handle comprising, in combination, a butt defining an inlet chamber adapted for communication with a pressure fluid source, a valve seat fixed with respect to said butt, a valving element defining a supply chamber adapted for communication with a device to be supplied with pressure fluid, a grip portion supporting said valving element for movement into and out of engagement with said seat for controlling communication between said chambers, operating means mounted on said grip portion and connected with said valving element for moving the same, and a filter clement disposed within said supply chamber for the passage of pressure fluid therethrough when said valving element is in open position establishing communication between said chambers.

10. A throttle handle comprising, in combination, a butt defining an inlet chamber adapted for communication with a pressure fluid source, a valve seat fixed with respect to said butt, a valving element defining a supply chamber adapted for communication with a device to be supplied with pressure fluid, a grip portion supporting said valving element for movement into and out of engagement with said seat for controlling communication be tween said chambers, operating means mounted on said grip portion and connected with said valving element for moving the same, and a filter element carried by said butt and mounted for the passage of pressure fluid therethrough upon movement of said valve out of engagement with said seat establishing communication between said chambers.

11. For use with a pressure fluid operated tool for simultaneously running and setting a plurality of threaded fastening elements and including a plurality of spindle drive units, a throttle handle comprising, in combination, a butt defining an inlet chamber adapted for communication with a pressure fluid source, a valve seat fixed with respect to said butt, a valving element defining a supply chamber, a grip portion fixed at one end to said butt and supporting said valving element for movement into and out of engagement with said seat for controlling communication between said chambers, operating means mounted on said grip portion and connected with said valving element for moving the same, and a manifold rigid with said grip portion on the end thereof opposite said butt and adapted for connection to the spindle drive units of the tool for supplying pressure fluid thereto.

12. A throttle handle comprising, in combination, a butt defining a supply chamber and having a port in the outer end thereof for connection with a device to be supplied with pressure fluid, a filter element mounted intermediate the ends of said supply chamber, an annular member disposed at one side of said supply chamber adapted for communication with a pressure fluid source, a valve seat supported by said member, a valving element extending through said supply chamber for engagement with said seat and defining an inlet chamber, a grip portion supporting said element for longitudinal movement, and operating means mounted on said grip portion and operatively connected with said valving element for moving the same between open and closed positions with respect to said seat to establish communication between said chambers.

13. A throttle handle comprising, in combination, a butt defining a chamber, a valve seat fixed with respect to said butt, a valving element defining a second chamber, a grip portion fixed at one end to said butt and supporting said valving element for movement into and out of engagement with said seat for controlling communication between said chambers, one of said chambers being adapted for communication with a pressure fluid source and the other chamber being adapted for connection to a device to be supplied with pressure fluid, and operating means mounted on said grip portion and connected with said valving element for moving the same, said valving element being reversible in position with respect to said grip portion, and said grip portion being reversible in position with respect to said butt whereby to permit alter:

References Cited in the file of this patent native relative positioning so as to accommodate the 10 2,691,314

handle to different installations.

UNITED STATES PATENTS Shipley Nov. 14, 1916 Ferris Sept. 15, 1931 Hall Feb. 9, 1937 Kellen et al. Aug. 25, 1953 Taylor Sept. 8, 1953 Thompson May 18, 1954 Stevens et al. Oct. 12, 1954 

